Bora Bora

Bora Bora, Polynesia

Bora Bora has earned a reputation for itself among the few unique honeymoon destinations that are exotic and breathtaking. Its water bungalows over the blue ocean water transport you to another world away from everything else. It attracts lot of visitors who appreciate privacy and luxury. It has been a favorite holiday destination among Hollywood actors, politicians, other rich and famous. This expensive destination meets every expectation of its guests, its beautiful surroundings ocean and volcano background makes a picture perfect backdrop. Being a former French colony it has a strong French influence, which could be seen in the language of this region along with its native language Tahitian. It is always a good idea to learn a few necessary words to interact with the locals more efficiently. This island served as a US military base to supply goods in the Second World War. There are a lot of activities to choose from when you are in Bora Bora, majority of the activities are water based like snorkeling, dolphin seeing, windsurfing, sun bathing, scuba diving. However land activity options are limited to mountain biking and hiking. You can always shop for aquatic jewelry here, visit some nice art galleries and gift shops.

Location: French Polynesia

Climate: Tropical climate, the summer months are November to April. However, there is rainfall and humidity. May to October are dry. You can wear light clothes, carry swim suit and rain protection.

Best time to visit: July - November

How to reach:

By Air - Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, north of the main island. You can get to the main island by boat. Air Tahiti provides free shuttle boat service from the airport to Vaitape village.

By Boat – The best way to get around Bora Bora is by boat transfers. These are mostly provided by tour companies or hotels.

By Buggy/Cycle – Bicycles or buggy can be rented to move around in the land area.

Places of interest

Leopard Rays Trench

Timings: 24 hours

Known for its crystal clear water, Leopard rays Trench offers a unique experience where you can swim with the ray fishes and also feed them. You can see the Manta Ray fish against the white sandy floor making it even easier and exciting to explore marine life! Make sure you do this in the guidance of your instructor although rays are not known as aggressive as other big fishes in the ocean.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium

Location: Private Motu off Motu Piti Anau Bora Bora 98730

Timings: 08.45 AM to 3.30 PM

How to Reach: The Lagoonarium is situated on the east side near St. Regis. The best way to reach is by Boat.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium is located on a private island, towards the east of the main land of Bora Bora. It is a beautiful place that offers opportunity to see marine life in their natural habitat, just like an aquarium without glass. You can see sharks, rays, turtles and tropical fish, watch them swim about or feed during the feeding session. You can even go out in a catamaran into the ocean for a snorkeling trip and watch aquatic life. There are various packages available where you can do a tour of the island in a canoe or do snorkeling in the Coral gardens. There is also arrangement for you to stay, if you want to get more out of the place!

Mount Otemanu

If you're in Bora Bora, you can't miss seeing Mount Otemanu. Although it can be seen from every part of the island, there is something magical about watching it closely. If you take a tour of the lagoon in a boat ride, you can see the Mount Otemanu from various angles and catch its glory. Some experienced hikers also go for hiking on the Mount. It is a rewarding ascent through wooded cover with vantage points along the crater’s edge. Always carry important equipment and water.

Matira Beach

Location: Matira Point, PK South, Bora Bora 98730

The Matira Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bora Bora! The beach has lush hills and tall palms at the back that give a mystic beauty and charm to the beach. The azure color of the water is amazing and calms the senses. There are numerous resorts on the eastern side that give a great view of the beach. You can spend all day on this majestic beach, chilling and sipping on your drinks. The numerous shops and cafes are a great place to wander and have a great time beside walking on the white sand.

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Bora Bora

Guided tours are available in Bora Bora that can take you on a tour of the ocean to watch ever friendly dolphins and whales. Dolphins are not shy of humans, you would have seen them in a marine park but out there in the ocean, they are at home, in their natural environment and here you can actually see them at their natural best. Also during the months of August to October, the humpback whales come to the waters around Tahiti to mate or give birth before they return to the South Pole. You can get a glimpse of these whales sometimes even with their young ones. Although whales are somewhat shy and tend to stay away from the crowd, but in the presence of trained instructors, you may get a chance to snorkel in the presence of these whales and their young one.